Netherlands – Health Issues

What are the most common health issues and diseases in the Netherlands?

As in much of the developed world, non-communicable diseases dominate the health landscape in the Netherlands, accounting for roughly 90% of all deaths. For those planning a move to the country, familiarity with the prevailing disease patterns can inform both healthcare planning and everyday lifestyle decisions. The overall picture broadly mirrors that of other Western European nations, though with some distinctive features worth noting.

Cancer and cardiovascular disease stand as the two primary causes of death in the Netherlands. More than one in ten Dutch residents lives with some form of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Lung cancer is the single most frequently occurring malignancy, ahead of breast cancer and intestinal cancer. The incidence and overall prevalence of cancer in the Netherlands exceed the EU average — a finding partly explained by the country’s high rates of diagnostic detection.

When ranked by total disease burden, cancer leads the field, trailed by cardiovascular conditions and mental health disorders. Among individual diseases, coronary heart disease has historically imposed the greatest burden. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is also widespread; between 2005 and 2015, COPD-related mortality climbed by 9.5%.

A key finding from the 2024 update of the Dutch Burden of Disease study is the marked rise in the burden linked to mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, a trend especially pronounced among younger age groups. Looking ahead, projections indicate a substantial increase in the burden of dementia and arthrosis by 2040, underlining the long-term healthcare challenges presented by an ageing population.

Is the Netherlands considered a healthy country? How do health outcomes compare internationally?

Across most headline health indicators, the Netherlands performs strongly relative to international benchmarks, though there are specific domains where it falls somewhat short of its European peers. The country maintains a well-organised healthcare system and a deeply embedded culture of preventive medicine.

According to OECD Health at a Glance 2025, life expectancy in the Netherlands stood at 81.9 years — 0.8 years above the OECD average. By 2024, this figure had risen to 82 years overall, with women reaching 83.4 years and men 80.6 years. These numbers place the Netherlands firmly among the top tier of OECD nations, though Japan, Spain, and Switzerland still achieve higher averages.

Preventable mortality in the Netherlands was recorded at 100 per 100,000 population — well below the OECD average of 145 — while treatable mortality came in at 49 per 100,000, also beneath the OECD average of 77. The country therefore performs well on both fronts: keeping illness at bay in the first place and managing conditions effectively once they emerge — a dual accomplishment that speaks to both public health strategy and the quality of healthcare delivery.

Just 6% of Dutch residents described their health as bad or very bad, against an OECD average of 8%. The Netherlands scores favourably across the majority of well-being indicators among EU member states, though housing costs and women’s healthy life expectancy were flagged as relative weaknesses. Those wanting the most up-to-date figures can consult the WHO Netherlands country profile or the national statistics agency, Statistics Netherlands (CBS), at cbs.nl.

Mortality from potentially avoidable causes is more than 25% below the EU average. This outcome reflects sustained investment in preventive care, targeted public health campaigns, and a primary care system centred on the huisarts (general practitioner), who serves as the gatekeeper to specialist services — a structure broadly comparable to the NHS in the UK or Canada’s provincial health networks.

What infectious diseases or environmental health risks should expats be aware of in the Netherlands?

As a high-income Western European country, the Netherlands maintains excellent standards of food and water safety. The risk of serious infectious disease is low relative to most other parts of the world, yet there are certain biological and environmental health hazards worth understanding before you arrive.

Tuberculosis incidence in the Netherlands sits at 4.5 cases per 100,000 population (as of 2023) — a very low figure by global standards and roughly in line with comparable Western European countries. Common tropical infectious diseases such as typhoid, cholera, and malaria pose no meaningful risk to people living within the country, though expats travelling to tropical destinations should seek travel health advice before departure.

The Netherlands has demonstrated notably strong capabilities in managing chemical incidents, radiation emergencies, zoonotic disease outbreaks, and food safety. Tap water across the entire country is safe to drink and complies with rigorous EU quality standards — a contrast to many destinations where bottled water is a necessity. Food hygiene regulations are strictly observed throughout the country.

Lyme disease, spread through the bites of infected ticks, represents an environmental health risk — particularly in forested areas, heathlands, and nature reserves. The RIVM tracks tick activity and publishes public guidance accordingly; expats who hike or spend recreational time outdoors should inspect themselves for ticks after such activities, especially from spring through autumn. Seasonal influenza is another relevant consideration; an annual flu vaccine is recommended for older adults and those with underlying health conditions and can be obtained through your huisarts (GP).

The 2024 Dutch Burden of Disease study highlights environmental factors — particularly air pollution and climate change — as significant influences on population health. Residents of the Netherlands were exposed to an average of 10.8 micrograms of ambient particulate matter (PM2.5) per cubic metre. While lower than in many countries, this level can still pose problems for people with respiratory conditions. Expats with asthma or chronic lung disease should monitor local air quality, especially in cities and near major roads, ports, and industrial areas.

No vaccinations are legally required to enter or settle in the Netherlands. That said, it is prudent to confirm that your routine immunisations are current — including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus, and diphtheria. Always consult your home country’s travel health authority as well as the RIVM at rivm.nl/en ahead of relocating.

Is smoking common in the Netherlands, and what are the laws around it?

The Netherlands has undergone a marked transformation in its approach to tobacco over the past decade, moving from a country with historically elevated smoking rates to one now recognised as a leading example of tobacco control policy within the WHO European region.

In 2024, 18.2% of adults in the Netherlands smoked, and 3.1% used an e-cigarette on a regular basis. Of the adult smoking figure, 12.3% were daily smokers and 5.9% smoked occasionally. OECD Health at a Glance 2025 data places daily smoking prevalence at 13.2% — below the OECD average of 14.8%.

The Netherlands achieved a significant milestone by becoming the fourth country globally — after Türkiye, Brazil, and Mauritius — to implement all six of the WHO’s evidence-based MPOWER policy measures aimed at reducing tobacco demand. By 2021, the country had closed major regulatory gaps by banning tobacco advertising at points of sale and eliminating designated smoking rooms in public places, workplaces, and public transport.

A suite of further tobacco control measures was introduced in 2020 and 2021, encompassing higher tobacco excise duties, standardised plain packaging, a partial tobacco display ban at points of sale, and a prohibition on smoking within school grounds. These developments place the Dutch regulatory framework among the most comprehensive in Europe — substantially more rigorous than approaches adopted in many other countries.

A national prevention agreement, concluded in 2018 between the Dutch Government and 70 partner organisations, set out an extensive portfolio of measures targeting tobacco, with an explicit ambition to bring the proportion of smokers below 5% of the population by 2040 and to eradicate smoking among children and pregnant women entirely. Expats should expect smoke-free environments in virtually all indoor public spaces — restaurants, bars, and workplaces included — with smoking typically confined to designated outdoor zones.

Is obesity or poor diet a significant health concern in the Netherlands?

Although the Netherlands has long been associated with a slender national image — reinforced in part by its pervasive cycling culture — rates of overweight and obesity have been climbing, and diet-related health risks have risen up the public health agenda.

Self-reported obesity prevalence in the Netherlands stood at 15%, below the OECD average of 19%, according to OECD Health at a Glance 2025. Cycling as an everyday mode of transport contributes meaningfully to higher physical activity levels across all demographics. Only 11% of Dutch adults failed to meet recommended physical activity levels — far lower than the OECD average of 30%.

Traditional Dutch food tends to be filling and centred on dairy products, bread, and potatoes, with a moderate intake of vegetables. However, international culinary influences are firmly established in the Netherlands, particularly in larger cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht, where fresh produce and diverse food options are readily accessible.

The 2018 national prevention agreement — signed by the Dutch Government alongside 70 organisations — included a broad package of measures targeting overweight and obesity in parallel with tobacco and alcohol use. Government-led campaigns promote healthier eating habits, and authorities have engaged food manufacturers and retailers in efforts to cut sugar, salt, and saturated fat in processed products. The Nutrition Centre (Voedingscentrum) offers dietary guidance in line with Dutch health recommendations and publishes materials in several languages.

Despite these efforts, conditions such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension are rising in line with patterns seen across other high-income countries. Expats accustomed to particular dietary habits may require some adjustment; large supermarkets across the Netherlands carry an extensive range of products, and specialist international and organic food shops are well represented in urban areas.

What are the mental health attitudes and services like in the Netherlands?

Awareness of mental health matters has grown considerably in the Netherlands in recent years, though attitudes continue to vary between generations and communities, and a degree of stigma around seeking professional help persists — as is the case in most countries. For expats, navigating the system can involve practical hurdles, particularly around language availability and waiting periods.

The burden of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety has risen sharply, especially among younger age groups in the Netherlands — a trend that has placed mounting pressure on the country’s mental health services as they attempt to keep pace with growing demand.

Mental healthcare is integrated within the broader Dutch healthcare framework. Foundational mental health support (known as generalistische basis GGZ) is available via referral from a huisarts (GP), with costs covered by statutory health insurance (zorgverzekering) above the annual deductible (eigen risico). More intensive specialist care is delivered through GGZ (Geestelijke Gezondheidszorg) institutions — broadly equivalent to community mental health trusts in countries such as the UK or Australia.

Waiting times for specialist mental health treatment can be considerable. This is a well-documented systemic challenge, and delays of several months before accessing certain types of therapy are not unusual. Private mental health providers can offer faster access, but at additional cost not fully offset by basic insurance. Expats who anticipate needing ongoing psychological support are advised to take out supplementary (aanvullende) health insurance and to request a GP referral as early as possible after arriving.

English-speaking psychologists and therapists are available — particularly in Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, and other major urban centres — for expats who prefer not to communicate in Dutch. Organisations such as the MIND foundation and Access NL (access-nl.org) can assist in connecting newcomers with suitable services. Round-the-clock crisis support is accessible through the national mental health crisis line at 0800-0113.

Are there any health risks specific to expats living in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands offers a relatively benign health environment for international residents, yet a number of adjustment-related factors and practical considerations are particularly pertinent for those settling from abroad.

Climate adjustment: The Netherlands experiences a temperate maritime climate — winters are mild but persistently grey and damp. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and vitamin D deficiency are genuine concerns: sunlight hours are limited for much of the year. Expats relocating from sunnier parts of the world may notice that the change in light affects their mood and vitality. Vitamin D supplements are available over the counter and are routinely suggested by Dutch GPs for those deemed at higher risk.

Cycling-related injuries: The Netherlands possesses the world’s most extensive cycling infrastructure, and the bicycle is the standard mode of transport for a large proportion of residents. Cycling incidents — involving trams, motor vehicles, and other cyclists — account for a notable share of emergency department visits. Expats new to cycling in dense urban traffic should familiarise themselves with local cycling conventions and invest in appropriate equipment, including a reliable bicycle and helmet.

Registering with a GP: One of the most essential early steps for any new arrival is enrolling with a local huisarts (GP). The GP acts as the entry point to the entire Dutch healthcare system; without a registered GP, gaining access to specialist care, mental health services, or prescription medication becomes significantly more difficult. You can locate GPs currently accepting new patients via huisartszoeker.nl.

Health insurance: All residents registered in the Dutch Municipal Personal Records Database (BRP) are legally obliged to obtain Dutch statutory health insurance (zorgverzekering) within four months of registration. The standard package covers most GP consultations, hospital treatment, and essential medications. Expats should assess whether additional supplementary cover is needed for dental care, physiotherapy, mental health treatment, or international medical expenses.

Language barriers in healthcare: Although the majority of Dutch healthcare professionals speak good English, this is not universal — particularly beyond major cities. Expats may encounter difficulties conveying symptoms accurately or deciphering medical correspondence. Translation tools can provide short-term assistance, but wherever possible, registering with a GP who speaks your language — or arranging access to an interpreter service — is the more reliable solution.

Where can expats find reliable health information and services in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands offers a well-developed ecosystem of health information resources, spanning both official government channels and expat-oriented organisations. Consulting authoritative sources is especially important given that guidelines, vaccination schedules, and healthcare entitlements are subject to change.

• RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment): The Netherlands’ foremost public health authority, the RIVM publishes health statistics, disease surveillance data, vaccination timetables, and public health advice in English at rivm.nl/en.
• Government of the Netherlands health portal: government.nl/topics/health-care offers official information on the Dutch healthcare system, insurance obligations, and health policy developments.
• CBS (Statistics Netherlands): The national statistics agency publishes current health data and well-being indicators at cbs.nl/en-gb.
• WHO Netherlands country profile: The World Health Organization maintains a country-level health data resource at data.who.int/countries/528, useful for tracking health indicators across time.
• Access NL: A non-profit organisation providing practical assistance to internationals living in the Netherlands, including guidance on health and healthcare access, at access-nl.org.
• Zorgwijzer and Independer: Dutch comparison platforms designed to help residents evaluate and select statutory and supplementary health insurance policies.
• Your home country’s travel health authority: Before relocating, check your home country’s travel health or foreign affairs website for any country-specific health recommendations and vaccination guidance for the Netherlands.

Health guidance, vaccination schedules, insurance premiums, and eligibility criteria are all subject to revision. Always verify current information with official Dutch sources — in particular the RIVM and the Dutch government health portal — both before your move and once you have settled in. The OECD’s State of Health in the EU Netherlands Country Health Profile, updated on a regular basis, serves as an excellent benchmarking tool for assessing how the Dutch health system is performing over time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Health Issues in the Netherlands

Is the Netherlands a healthy country to live in?

Life expectancy in the Netherlands was 81.9 years — 0.8 years above the OECD average — and preventable mortality at 100 per 100,000 was significantly lower than the OECD average of 145 (as of 2025 OECD data). By most international indicators, the Netherlands is a healthy country with strong healthcare infrastructure, effective preventive medicine, and good population health outcomes.

What vaccinations do I need before moving to the Netherlands?

No vaccinations are required by law to enter or reside in the Netherlands. However, it is recommended to ensure your routine immunisations are up to date, including tetanus, diphtheria, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), and any others relevant to your personal health history. Check the RIVM website (rivm.nl/en) and your home country’s travel health authority for current guidance before moving.

Is the tap water safe to drink in the Netherlands?

Yes. Tap water throughout the Netherlands is safe to drink and meets stringent European Union quality standards. Bottled water is available but not necessary for health reasons. The quality of drinking water is monitored by regional water companies and regulated at a national level.

How do I access mental health services as an expat in the Netherlands?

Start by registering with a local GP (huisarts), who can refer you to mental health services covered by your statutory health insurance. Waiting times for specialist mental health care can be long. Many therapists and psychologists in larger cities offer sessions in English or other languages. Organisations such as Access NL (access-nl.org) can help you find appropriate support. In a crisis, the national helpline 0800-0113 is available 24/7.

Is air pollution a significant health concern in the Netherlands?

The 2024 Dutch Burden of Disease study emphasises the role of environmental determinants, such as air pollution and climate change, in influencing health outcomes. Urban areas and regions near major roads, ports, and agricultural zones can experience elevated pollution levels. Expats with asthma, COPD, or other respiratory conditions should monitor air quality. Overall, the Netherlands performs better than many European neighbours on air quality, but it is not without risk.

Can I keep using my existing health insurance after moving to the Netherlands?

Generally, no. All residents registered in the Dutch Municipal Personal Records Database (BRP) are legally required to take out Dutch statutory health insurance (zorgverzekering) within four months of registration. Some EU residents and cross-border workers may have different entitlements. Check your situation with your insurance provider and consult the Dutch government health portal at government.nl/topics/health-care for current rules.

Is Lyme disease a risk in the Netherlands?

Yes, Lyme disease is present in the Netherlands and is transmitted through tick bites, particularly in wooded and heathland areas such as the Veluwe and dune landscapes. The RIVM monitors tick activity seasonally and publishes public guidance. If you spend time outdoors in nature, check for ticks after visits, especially between March and October. Early symptoms — including a circular rash around the bite — should prompt a GP visit promptly.

Does the Netherlands have a problem with seasonal depression or vitamin D deficiency?

Yes, this is a genuinely relevant concern. The Netherlands has limited sunlight hours during autumn and winter, and vitamin D deficiency is relatively common. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can affect people who are unaccustomed to long, grey winters. Dutch GPs often recommend vitamin D supplements, especially for those with darker skin tones, older adults, and people who spend little time outdoors. Light therapy lamps are widely available in the Netherlands and used by many residents.